Joe and Ann Pollack, St. Louis' most experienced food writers, lead a tour of restaurants, wines, shops and other interesting places. When we travel, you will travel with us. When we eat, drink, cook, entertain or read, we'll share our knowledge and opinions. Come along for the ride!!
Copyright 2013, Ann Lemons Pollack.

February 12, 2017

Just One Bite: West End Grill and Pub

A special dish for Valentine's Day? Pink? Luxurious? Tasty? We got this.

The West End Grill and Pub has a crab bisque that's a showstopper. Normally a dish that is better in theory than practice, so subtle is crab's flavor, this sweetheart of a soup doesn't whisper but speaks in a low, sultry growl.It's part of their Valentine's Day menu, which was offered this weekend, I discovered, but will also, of course, be sold on Tuesday, the 14th of February.

It's thick, full of crabby debris, garnished with a mostly-deshelled crab claw, just a little bit of heat with the seasoning, but mostly it's about showcasing the flavor of the crustacean.It is, quite simply, the best crab bisque I've ever had.

Chef Carl Hazel, who's shaken up the menu some, says the bisque is available as a special every now and then, so it's also something that you may catch on other visits. But I'd strike while the soup is hot. The V-Day menu is three courses for $39.95. (And one of the main course options is lamb shank, for those that share my affection for that dish.)